Benton Homecoming to light up the night June 24
Benton’s third annual festival may have a brand new name, but it will present the same old fun as it has the past two summers.
On Friday, June 24, the tiny town of Benton will spring to life when the Benton Homecoming will take place on the square, featuring a lot of old-fashioned fun. The event, formerly known as the Benton Block Party, was renamed because the committee was looking for something that better suited the event.
“Homecoming just sounds so much more inviting, and that is exactly what this is,” said Naomi Troyer, committee member. “It is like a giant family coming in and getting together for a homecoming of sorts. It’s just a relaxing time to sit back, eat, reminisce and have some fun.”
Three years ago the Benton Homecoming committee got together and received permission from the Holmes County commissioners to block off CR 207, from state Route 241 down to the feed mill, and with a large tent, some great games, live musical entertainment and plenty of food, the hope was that for at least one night, the sleepy little berg of Benton would become a beehive of activity, with the main goal of bringing back the numerous people who have called Benton their home throughout the years. That first year went above and beyond anything they could have imagined, as former Bentonites and plenty of people who have never lived in Benton but at least knew where it was on the map flocked to the tiny town.
“We wanted to have a fun night getting together with friends and neighbors, and we figured why not invite anyone who wants to stop in and enjoy a great night of food and fun,” said Troyer.
As has been the case in the past two years, there will be a giant tent set up on the closed off road, and along with great food, like Jr. Schlabach’s world famous barbecued chicken, baked beans made over an open fire, kettle corn and homemade ice cream, Benton’s favorite son, John Schmid, will provide live entertainment throughout the night. Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs and experience the joy of small town hospitality, where everyone is friendly and the food is incredible.
There will also be a silent auction with some fantastic merchandise, with all of the proceeds from the auction going to Holmes County Hospice. The money raised throughout the rest of the night will benefit two local families who are currently struggling with medical bills.
“When we first started this, helping people in our community was one of the main reasons we decided to do it,” said Troyer.
Making sure to include the whole family in the fun, there will be games for kids, and just down the road in the field between the square and Gospel Haven Church will be a rollicking good time, as volleyball teams will square off in a tournament that last year brought in dozens of teams, and lit up the night sky into the wee hours of the next morning.
“Oh, they had a blast,” said Troyer of the volleyball players. “They had the lights burning until at least 3 a.m. and did they ever play volleyball. It was a lot of fun.”
In addition to the Benton Homecoming, you may want to pencil in the date of Thursday, June 16, when the annual Benton Garage Sale takes place. For at least a few days this summer, Benton will become Holmes County’s focal point before eventually slipping back into one of its rural, charming towns.
“We invite everyone to bring their lawn chairs, sit down, enjoy the food, fellowship and music and have a fun, relaxing evening,” said Troyer. “The more the merrier.”
On Friday, June 24, the tiny town of Benton will spring to life when the Benton Homecoming will take place on the square, featuring a lot of old-fashioned fun. The event, formerly known as the Benton Block Party, was renamed because the committee was looking for something that better suited the event.
“Homecoming just sounds so much more inviting, and that is exactly what this is,” said Naomi Troyer, committee member. “It is like a giant family coming in and getting together for a homecoming of sorts. It’s just a relaxing time to sit back, eat, reminisce and have some fun.”
Three years ago the Benton Homecoming committee got together and received permission from the Holmes County commissioners to block off CR 207, from state Route 241 down to the feed mill, and with a large tent, some great games, live musical entertainment and plenty of food, the hope was that for at least one night, the sleepy little berg of Benton would become a beehive of activity, with the main goal of bringing back the numerous people who have called Benton their home throughout the years. That first year went above and beyond anything they could have imagined, as former Bentonites and plenty of people who have never lived in Benton but at least knew where it was on the map flocked to the tiny town.
“We wanted to have a fun night getting together with friends and neighbors, and we figured why not invite anyone who wants to stop in and enjoy a great night of food and fun,” said Troyer.
As has been the case in the past two years, there will be a giant tent set up on the closed off road, and along with great food, like Jr. Schlabach’s world famous barbecued chicken, baked beans made over an open fire, kettle corn and homemade ice cream, Benton’s favorite son, John Schmid, will provide live entertainment throughout the night. Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs and experience the joy of small town hospitality, where everyone is friendly and the food is incredible.
There will also be a silent auction with some fantastic merchandise, with all of the proceeds from the auction going to Holmes County Hospice. The money raised throughout the rest of the night will benefit two local families who are currently struggling with medical bills.
“When we first started this, helping people in our community was one of the main reasons we decided to do it,” said Troyer.
Making sure to include the whole family in the fun, there will be games for kids, and just down the road in the field between the square and Gospel Haven Church will be a rollicking good time, as volleyball teams will square off in a tournament that last year brought in dozens of teams, and lit up the night sky into the wee hours of the next morning.
“Oh, they had a blast,” said Troyer of the volleyball players. “They had the lights burning until at least 3 a.m. and did they ever play volleyball. It was a lot of fun.”
In addition to the Benton Homecoming, you may want to pencil in the date of Thursday, June 16, when the annual Benton Garage Sale takes place. For at least a few days this summer, Benton will become Holmes County’s focal point before eventually slipping back into one of its rural, charming towns.
“We invite everyone to bring their lawn chairs, sit down, enjoy the food, fellowship and music and have a fun, relaxing evening,” said Troyer. “The more the merrier.”
Published: June 12, 2011
